AceShowbiz - Ne-Yo, the acclaimed R&B artist, has been spending time in Nashville working on a project that blends country influences with his signature style.

Before arriving in Music City, Ne-Yo was given several warnings by those familiar with the Nashville scene. Many cautioned him that the city’s music community can be exclusive and resistant to artists who don’t fit the typical mold. "It came with all these warnings and all this fear that people were trying to put on me," he shared on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast. "They're not real accepting of anything outside of what they do over there, in Nashville. It's cliquey, and if you don't know this person or haven't done this, they're not gonna ..." Despite these expectations, Ne-Yo admits he initially braced for a challenging experience.

However, his real experience has been entirely different. Ne-Yo describes his time in Nashville as welcoming and supportive. "My experience has been the exact opposite. Every single person I've worked with has embraced what I'm trying to do with open arms," he said. Ne-Yo noted that the people he has collaborated with have shown genuine interest in how he plans to combine his R&B roots with country music traditions.

In addition to the studio work, Ne-Yo has explored Nashville’s lively nightlife, including the famous honky-tonks and bars on Lower Broadway. Contrary to some stereotypes, he mentioned he has not encountered any hostility during these outings. "I've yet to meet the drunk racist guy. He hasn't showed up yet," he joked, adding that he is still waiting for the person who might prove to be his biggest Nashville challenge.

Ne-Yo has been collaborating with notable Nashville songwriters and musicians such as Luke Laird, Rhett Akins, and Charles Kelley from Lady A. Over the past year, he has gradually released some of the tracks recorded in Nashville, including last year’s "Simple Things" and the more recent upbeat single "Up Out & Gone."

Fans interested in hearing more about Ne-Yo’s Nashville journey can watch his full interview on the Nashville Now podcast, where he discusses his creative process and experiences in greater detail.